What’s inside
The Bank Arts Centre feature
Church & Council news
Marcus Gilbert Q&A
Elevate: Eye
What’s On EyeSpy
Stubborn limescale and scum is the residue left behind by using hard water, which is prevalent across all of East Anglia
We install water softeners, drinking water systems and boiling water taps. We also deliver water softener salt and undertake all repairs and maintenance
In 1961, an unknown 19-year-old Bob Dylan arrives in New York City with his guitar and forges relationships with musical icons on his meteoric rise, culminating in a ground-breaking performance that reverberates around the world.
Tickets £5 in advance from The Handyman or pay on the door. Film trailers and more information can be found on the website: www.cinema-at-eye.org.uk
Film sponsored by Caféye
Welcome to the July issue of the Eye the magazine, what can I say, the open gardens didn’t disappoint!
The short showers didn’t dampen the spirits and it was a fantastic weekend. The vintage bus was very popular, so much so we had to go on it twice. Thank you to everyone involved who made it such a success.
Ha story you think would work in the magazine please send it in. Also we love receiving the events and things happening in Eye for the “What’s on” section so please
eating is on, jumpers and coats out and November has definitely arrived. With it we have the beautiful autumn colours and sparkly, frosty morning and starry nights.
This issue is jammed packed again, in the centre spread you will find a lovely article about the very talented artist Carol Gleeson. Eye seems to have an abundance of creative people, using all different mediums.
In this month’s very full Eye Magazine we have lots of lovely ‘save the dates’ coming up in December, ready for Christmas and lots on in Eye in November too.
Many thanks to all the regular contributors and those who have written in this issue. We have some really interesting articles for the lead up to Remembrance Day. Eye always has a great turn out for the Remembrance parade and church service, where we can all come together and we unite across faiths, cultures and backgrounds to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces Community
We are now printing 1,700 magazines each month, they go through every door in Eye including all the new houses being built. People from out of Eye can pick one up at one of the many drop off points, if you have
Contact Us
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from United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. We will remember them.
Sunday 10th November
I’d like to wish Nayara Drummond the best of luck for the British Isles Bowls Championships, what a fantastic achievement. You obviously are naturally gifted, to have already achieved so much when you’ve only been playing a year, what exciting times ahead for you.
Meet at fire station at 10.30am if in parade. Set off at 10.45am, march to town hall. Service at the memorial and last post and minutes silence at 11am. Then set off to the church for service till about 12pm.
Wendy Aiken
Wendy Aiken EDITOR, EYE MAGAZINE editoreyemag@gmail.com
Contents
3 Cinema at Eye
Lest we forget
The Fabric Shop Q&A
Council News
Lucy’s
EDITOR, EYE MAGAZINE editoreyemag@gmail.com
EVENTS AND EDITORIAL CONTENT
Please email the editor at editoreyemag@gmail.com by 5 November for content to appear in the December / January issue. Entry to the regular events listing is free, don’t forget to include date, time, location, event description, contact information and a photo if you have one.
ADVERTISING
EVENTS AND EDITORIAL CONTENT
To book an advert please email our accounts department at acceyemagazine@gmail.com. For new adverts please ask for our Rate Card. All adverts must be paid for in advance. Advert artwork should be sent to advertisingeyemag@gmail.com by 5 November for content to appear in the December/January issue.
Please email the editor at editoreyemag@gmail.com by 5 July for content to appear in the August issue. Entry to the regular events listing is free, don’t forget to include date, time, location, event description, contact information and a photo if you have one.
ADVERTISING
To book an advert please email our accounts department at acceyemagazine@gmail.com. For new adverts please ask for our Rate Card. All adverts must be paid for in advance. Advert artwork should be sent to advertisingeyemag@gmail.com by 5 July for content to appear in the August issue.
Photography by Wendy Aiken | Magazine design by Sharon Teague, Outflux | Printed by Healeys Print Group
Photography by Wendy Aiken | Magazine design by Sharon Teague, Outflux | Printed by Healeys Print Group
The Bank Arts Centre
BUILDING MOMENTUM, ONE CREATIVE STEP AT A TIME
There’s an unmistakable buzz of optimism surrounding The Bank Arts Centre this summer.
After a challenging few years, this much-loved creative hub in the heart of Eye is now thriving, thanks to a passionate team of volunteers, visionary leadership, and the unwavering support of our local community. With exciting developments, award recognition, and more to come, The Bank continues to prove that creativity, collaboration, and community spirit can drive meaningful change.
After a very positive 2024, the last few months has seen even more major milestones reached for The Bank — starting with the successful completion of a much-needed lighting retrofit project. After three years of planning The Bank’s “Bright Future” project to replace the Main Hall’s 25-year old florescent lighting with high-efficiency LED, and installation of additional bar and exhibition lighting is now complete! The upgrades were essential to improving the Centre’s sustainability - with the upgrades predicted to reduce Co2 emissions by up to 66% - whilst making the facilities better suited for vibrant programme of events and activities. This project was fully funded through grant support provided by Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Councils, HM
Government and Green Suffolk and we are sincerely grateful for their support and contributions to the project. To celebrate the re-opening, our community Open Call Exhibition “Light & Flux” presented visual interpretations of light, energy and nature through a showcase of work by 23 regional artists. Thank you to everyone who visited and kind thanks to additional funding from Green Suffolk for the event.
The re-development continues! We’re delighted to share that heritage permission has been granted for essential upgrades to the gallery and exhibition spaces — an ambitious re-design supported by The Abbey Foundation to elevate our exhibition facilities and provide our rural community with greater access to explore and engage with the visual
arts. The works will be taking place later this year. Further, an application is now pending for Phase 2 which proposes a thoughtful reconfiguration of our kitchen, toilet facilities, and upstairs workshop spaces. These upgrades will allow us to better serve our visitors and ensure The Bank remains a safe, accessible, and inspiring space for everyone.
Behind the scenes, the team has been hard at work, including finalising two significant grant-funded workshop programmes: Creative Workshop Programme (funded by Suffolk County Council’s Culture Fund) providing 12 month programme of visual and creative arts workshops across an exciting range of subjects, and casual meet-up sessions to help everyone get
Directors Jon and Abbie receive a Civic Award on behalf of The Bank
creative; and a Digital Skills Workshop (funded by Suffolk Community Foundation, Digital Inclusion Fund) providing our first schedule of Adult Digital Training addressing rural isolation through basic digital skills sessions and help cafés and (due to popular demand!) introductory sessions in digital subjects 3D modelling and games design. These two programmes are designed to offer inclusive access to the arts and essential learning opportunities, both programmes are set to launch in Mid-July. Over the coming months we will be working with Game Anglia on a series of talks and workshops giving an exciting insight into the games industry.
This hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. On 14th May, our
Directors Jon and Abbie attended the Eye Town Council meeting to receive a Civic Award on behalf of The Bank, recognising the centre’s contribution to our Town and wider community. We are incredibly grateful to ETC for the recognition - It’s a meaningful honour that celebrates the volunteers and supporters who continue to make the Centre the special place it is today.
As The Bank continues to thrive and expand its operations, the team is facing new challenges to keep the momentum going – as a not-for-profit organisation, they rely heavily on grant funding, community support and most importantly, volunteers. We are in particular need of friendly, reliable volunteers to join our café team,
helping to serve customers, prepare refreshments, and provide a great experience for our visitors. There are also opportunities to get involved in other areas—from events, and marketing to building maintenance and fundraising. Whether buying a delicious coffee or event ticket, spreading the word or volunteeringEvery act of support makes an incredible difference!
As we look ahead to the next chapter, The Bank Arts Centre continues to grow in confidence, creativity, and community impact – proving that big things can happen when people come together through creativity.
If you’d like to get in touch, please email info@thebankeye. org or you can find out more, visit www.thebankeye.org
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Marcus Gilbert
This months Q&A is with Marcus of Illuminarta, Marcus is always a breath of fresh air when he enters a room, always smiling and great positive energy. His workmanship is outstanding, with a fantastic eye for design and craftsmanship. Let’s learn some more about yet anther creative talent in Eye.
Q. Tell us about your business and what you do?
A. I design, build and install beautiful pieces of furniture to solve your storage problems. Whether free-standing or builtin, home or workplace, I create the solution your space needs.
For a unique touch I can create artistic work using resins and wood - allowing you to own a stunning and unique item.
Q. Have you always been good at woodworking?
A. My interest originated from my dad who was a carpenter and joiner, so basically I grew up with it. I assumed I’d follow in his footsteps working with him. But he told me to “get a proper job” - meaning salaried, not self employed. Oh the irony! All these years later and I’m self employed making things similar to my dad.
Q. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
A. I grew up in Great Bedwyn in Wiltshire with two sisters. I studied graphic design and my first job was in-house junior designer at a life assurance company. My first pay cheque
was £311.18! Moving to a design agency I became studio manager, and after many years, I changed career to became a florist.
In the early 2000s I moved to Suffolk, and in 2016 I graduated from university as a mature student with a first class honours degree in fine art.
Q. How long have you lived in Eye?
A. 9 years ago I moved to Eye with my partner, Sharon, and love it here. Eye is such a lovely town and has so much to offer and a great community spirit.
Q. How did you name your business
A. My logo ‘Oculus’, the centre piece of my fine art degree show, is a true representation of Sharon’s right eye and made from photo-luminescent resin (it glows in the dark).
With us both being artistic, our idea was to move to Italy one day to run art holidays called Illuminarta. This word came from ‘illuminate’ and ‘art’ but with an Italian sounding twist. However, I decided to use the name Illuminarta when starting up my bespoke storage solutions business in 2018.
Q. Tell us about the process to create the designs for clients.
A. I use CAD software to create accurate drawings so the customer can see what I am proposing to do and clearly shows what the quote is based on. The drawing is also used as an accurate cutting guide for materials.
Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?
A. I enjoy cycling although I don’t do it often enough. Photography has been a passion since receiving a Boots Instamatic as a child and I still have SLR film cameras that I had when I was at college.
My photography has taken a new direction. With an inheritance received following the passing of both my parents, I decided to buy an Aston Martin, my childhood dream car. I photograph reflections on the car of scenic views and places we visit. We often go out for a drive with a picnic or stop off for tea and cake in a café.
Q. What are the most challenging / interesting projects you have worked on?
A. Much of my storage work is for period properties, which is often a challenge due to the inevitable wonky walls, floors and ceilings.
A recent project was understairs storage that included a hidden boot room and concealed storage. As if this wasn’t challenging enough, a design change was needed meaning the book shelving/storage had to be fitted on castors but still needed to look like it was ‘built-in’.
Another tricky project was a concealed home office workstation with ‘pocket doors’ in an old farmhouse near Eye.
Replacing the window tables in Caféye was an interesting job because they wanted a design using resin. I created resin inlays that were influenced by the patterns from the Turkish lamps in the café.
Accurate CAD drawing
Home office work station in use
Concealed when not used
Accurate CAD drawing
Pouring resin in the routed recesses
Completed window table in Caféye, the centre section glows in the dark!
Marcus Gilbert www.illuminarta.com
Council news
In May, I had the honour of being elected Mayor by the council for a second time. I am still learning and I am grateful for the continuity in being able to, hopefully, follow through with various ongoing projects.
Angela Rangecroft was elected Deputy Mayor and the two of us will work closely with the Clerk, other councillors and many volunteers to keep Eye’s uniqueness and identity visible to MSDC, SCC and EcoPower Suffolk.
Two members of the Brome Ave Group and Mike Smith and myself will be part of the Liaison Group meeting with EcoPower as necessary and working with local volunteers and other affected Parishes, MSDC and SCC on what most of us will agree is a forced and ill thought out programme.
Committee membership was set in June and Chairs (with the exception of Planning as it has not met at the time I am writing) were elected.
The committees are structured as follows.
Chair (TBC) Chair Mike Smith Chair Bruce Salter
Chair Jemma Woodley
Tunie Brandon Vice Chair John Foulger Vice Chair Angela Rangecroft Vice Chair Bruce Salter
Mary Ager Johnnie Walker Chair of EnvironmentMike Smith
Mike Smith Mary Ager Chair Planning - TBC
Brian Aherne
Jackie Hunt
Johnnie Walker Kell Gatherer Chair of Town Hall and Events - Jemma Woodley Angela Rangecroft
Brian Ahearne Tunie Brandon Johnnie Walker
Brian Lewis
John Foulger Alma BrayleyNeale Mayor Tunie Brandon Tunie Brandon
Kim Crispin
As most of you are aware, Phase 2 of the Persimmon build on Castleton Way was approved by MSDC on 4 June. However, members of the council and Eye Neighbourhood Plan Review Group remain in talks with Persimmon.
By the time you read this, ETC will have voted on whether to develop (via sale) or keep and manage Victoria Mill as a Council and Community asset. The Environment Committee and Clerk have been working diligently in clearing and mapping unused allotment sites with planning for more. In the meantime, the Finance and Governance Committee and other councillors have been discussing what to do with the other half of the site.
Two ideas being floated have been a dog park or a lido (with possible solar panels for heating the water).
What are your ideas? Please contact the Clerk at 07713 196251 or at townclerk@eyetowncouncil. gov.uk if you want a say in the future of this community resource. Please remember that there is a ransom strip around the site restricting access.
FOR YOUR DIARY...
15 August is Victory in Japan (VJ) Day and is being commemorated nationally with a Beacon Lighting. This will take place at the Castle Mound where there will be music and refreshments/food for the evening.
12-21 September is national Heritage Week. The theme this year is architecture and there will be a walking trail (with map) showing off some of the incredible buildings and features of Eye.
On 14 September, there will be the Castleton Brass Band playing, exhibits and refreshments at the Town Hall.
Mayor Tunie Brandon
Lucy’s news
BIG CHANGES ARE COMING TO THE WAY OUR LOCAL COUNCILS ARE RUN
The government is shaking up the way local government is organised. At the moment, we have a two-tier system: the County Council delivers some services, while other services are delivered by the smaller district and borough councils.
The government is replacing this system with a ‘unitary’ council (or councils), which will deliver all council services for an area. The government’s vision is for clearer, more efficient council structures. The government has invited all councils to put forward their proposals.
So, what could this look like here? There are two competing visions for Suffolk:
Suffolk County Council is proposing a single, giant unitary council, to provide all council services to Suffolk’s 800,000 residents.
By contrast, Mid Suffolk District Council has joined with the other district and borough councils to oppose this, as we feel it would be too remote for local residents to be heard. Instead, we are working together on plans to form two or three smaller, unitary councils. Each of these would still provide all council services – but for a smaller area. We believe each of these new unitary councils would be big enough to provide efficient, cost-effective services,
and also small enough to maintain real connections with its local area.
We feel that bigger is not necessarily better. Smaller organisations tend to be more agile, more responsive and closer to the people they serve. For example, data shows that councils with smaller populations obtain more Care Quality Commission ‘outstanding’ rating for
children’s services and achieve higher council tenant satisfaction ratings.
But what do you think?
We really want to hear your views, and so we’ve launched a survey, open until July 25th. You can find it online here: www.babergh.gov.uk/ devolution-and-lgr or call the District Council on 0300 1234000 if you need a paper copy.
The survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete – please do let us know what you think.
The government has asked Suffolk’s councils to submit their proposals by September. The government will then review these two, different visions for the future of local government in Suffolk, and select its preferred option.
Whatever the future holds, these changes will not come in for some time, so you can continue to contact your District and County councils (and councillors) in the usual ways.
For District Council issues, please contact me and I will try my best to help: email lucy.elkin@midsuffolk.gov.uk or phone 07928 512590
For news and updates, find me on Facebook at www.facebook. com/CllrLucy
See you soon, Lucy (District Councillor for Eye, Occold and Redlingfield)
NORFOLK & SUFFOLK SELF STORAGE
A140 Self Storage Warehouse, A140 Ipswich Road, Brome, Eye, Suffolk. IP23 8AW
Our self storage warehouse on the A140 at the Brome Business Park offers palletised wooden crate storage, the highest quality storage crates available.
Our wooden crates are designed to breathe preventing sweating and mildew and stand on a fixed wooden pallet raised off the ground stopping items drawing moisture and eliminating damp.
Our metal storage containers are custom built for storage with bamboo floors and 14 vents so your furniture can breathe inside without drawing moisture and damp, making them the perfect storage unit for your goods.
Personal storage
Business storage
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Storage rates start from just £9 a week including VAT with no deposit to pay
Storage shipping containers from £20 a week including VAT 24/7 Access
We have moved to – 19 Church Street, Eye IP23 7BD 01379 870190 / info@eyeflooring.co.uk 01379 870190 07850573366 www.eyeflooring.co.uk info@eyeflooring.co.uk
OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 10AM – 4PM AND SATURDAY 10AM – 1PM
Grandfather loses three stone
A GRANDFATHER LOST THREE STONE TRAINING AT AN INSPIRATIONAL WELL-BEING CENTRE
Jeff Wilson transformed his life when he improved his fitness levels by attending the Be Well Barn health and fitness centre, using their discreet pods..
He felt overweight and lethargic with few local friendships – but his unhealthy lifestyle was transformed when he started at Be Well Barn, near Eye.
Jeff, 66, of Worlingworth, says: ‘‘The feeling of being overweight was too much to bear and losing three stone was a huge achievement for me.
“I can now walk a lot further without being breathless, I go for a cycle ride instead of using the car and it is much easier playing games with the grandchildren.
‘‘Whenever I go to Be Well Barn
I feel so much fitter, relaxed and energised and have more confidence.
“It is such a wonderful place to get fit, meet like minded people in beautiful surroundings and I love the social / wellbeing events with an ethos on fun and laughter.’’
Be Well Barn is owned by Will and Sarah Edwards and overlooks meadows and farmland.
Will says: ‘‘We were delighted to help Jeff with a structured weight loss programme and he and his wife are, like all our customers, we see as friends.’’
Why not call in soon and enjoy lunch at the barn’s nutritious cafe which is open to all and find out more while you are
there about how Be Well Barn can help you too with great packages or pay as you go options.
Be Well Barn has small friendly fitness and wellbeing classes and pods too for personal fitness and spa enjoyment at Church Road, Redlingfield, Eye. 01379 831565.
Email bewellbarn@gmail.com Website: bewellbarn.co.uk
“Whenever I go to Be Well Barn I feel so much fitter, relaxed and energised and have more confidence”
Jeff Wilson and Will Edwards in a discreet fitness pod overlooking fields, image courtesy of Keith Mindham.
Nature Notes
Treasure just over the border
The swallowtail is the UK’s largest and one of its rarest butterflies, emerging in spring from its winter chrysalis. Its distinctive swallow-like tails and striking red and blue markings help deter predators, while even as a caterpillar, it uses horns and scent glands for defence. Now restricted to the Norfolk Broads, it relies on milk parsley for egg-laying. On calm days between late May and mid-July, lucky visitors may spot this remarkable insect.
Adrian Barnard
| www.wildhaven.art
THE ROOD SCREEN – “THE CHURCH’S MASTERPIECE”
Monarchs and martyrs in Eye Church
During the later Middle Ages (c1300-1500) almost every church in England and Wales was furnished with a rood screen.
In the 15th century most rood screens were surmounted by a gallery known as a rood loft. These take their name from the Rood – the carved figure of Christ on the Cross, customarily located over the screen and loft at the east end of the nave.
The Rood (from the Saxon word rod or rode, meaning a cross) ranged in height from a few
feet to life-sized or larger, and was generally flanked by the figures of the Virgin Mary and St John the Evangelist. Prior to the Reformation this form of religious sculpture enjoyed near-universal currency in the churches of England and Wales. However, of the thousands of rood-figures that graced our churches during the Middle Ages, hardly any have survived intact, although many have been reconstructed at later dates.
Such is the case at the Parish Church of Ss Peter & Paul, Eye. Described by one author as “the
church’s masterpiece” the lower part of screen, thought to date from about 1480, still exists. The loft and rood figures were replaced by Sir Ninian Comper in the re-ordering of 1925.
The base of the screen consists of panels painted with figures of saints and English monarchs with open arches above. In the centre is the entrance arch through which people pass from the nave into the chancel.
Above the arches is the impressive rood loft, with an open traceried front and the Rood with the attendant figures of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St John the Evangelist. On either side of these are seraphs standing on wheels and the scaly dragons, symbolic of Evil, on either side at the foot of the Rood itself.
The original 1480 figures painted in the panels at the base of the screen are of particular interest as most of them have survived in good condition over many centuries. There are 15 of these; looking from left to right:
1. This is badly damaged but is thought to be St Paul (or possibly a king)
2. St Helen – martyred in about 330
3. St Edmund, King of East Anglia, murdered by Danish invaders in Hoxne in 870
4. St Ursula with a group of virgins beneath her mantle, all martyred by the Huns of Cologne in the 4th century
5. King Henry VI who died in the Tower of London in 1471, although never canonised
6. St Dorothy, virgin and martyr who died in 313
7. St Barbara of the late 3rd century, condemned to death by beheading for having become a Christian
8. St Agnes, executed in about 350
Here is the arch from the Nave and Chancel, then continuing left to right:
9. St Edward the Confessor, King of England from 1042 to 1066
10 St John the Apostle (not martyred, but thought to have had a natural death)
11. St Catherine, of the 4th century who, after much torture, was beheaded with a sword
12. St William of Norwich, said to have been martyred as a boy by Jews in 1144
13. St Lucy, martyred in 304
14. St Thomas of Canterbury (martyred 1170 in Canterbury Cathedral by followers of Henry II)
15. St Cecilia (martyred 3rd century)
The rood screen had several functions. Its primary role was to demarcate spaces of lesser and greater holiness. In medieval times, rood screens were often highly symbolic in representing the divide between Earth (the nave) and Heaven (the chancel). The priest would celebrate the Mass at the High Altar then the people would pass through the ‘gateway’ from Earth to Heaven to receive the Blessed Sacrament, then returning from whence they came.
Comper captures this idea well in his 1925 restoration. If you stand beneath the rood arch and look upwards, you will see a beautifully presented array of stars, as if to symbolise passing through the Portal of Heaven in order to receive the Holy Sacrament.
The church is open to visitors most days from about 10am to 4pm.
Peter Linsell-Fraser
A new smile in a purpose-built home
BOTESDALE DENTAL PRACTICE & IMPLANT
CLINIC – TRUSTED, PERSONALISED CARE IN A BRAND-NEW SETTING
We’re proud to welcome you to the new home of Botesdale Dental Practice & Implant Clinic, now located in a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Botesdale, Suffolk.
Opened in September 2024, our new practice reflects everything we stand for: quality, accessibility, comfort, and clinical excellence.
Founded in 2010 by experienced dentist Dr. Martin Sulo and managed alongside his wife, Eve Sulo, our family-run clinic continues to offer the same trusted care—now with enhanced space, modern equipment, and cutting-edge facilities designed to support the best in patient care.
Together with our dedicated team— Tasha, Michelle and Isabelle—we’ve created a warm,
friendly environment that’s also fully accessible, thoughtfully designed, and equipped with the latest in dental technology.
At Botesdale Dental, our mission is to deliver high-quality, vidence-based dentistry using the best tools, techniques, and materials available.
We stay ahead of the curve through ongoing professional development, working with leading labs, and investing in innovations that ensure patients receive expert, personalised care.
We offer a full range of services, including:
• Routine check-ups and hygiene care
• Same-day crowns, crafted onsite while you wait
• Cosmetic dentistry – from whitening to full smile makeovers
• Dental implants, surgical procedures, and bone grafting
• Family dentistry – gentle care for children, adults, and older patients
Whether you’re a long-standing patient or visiting us for the first time, our new home was designed with you in mind— providing a relaxing space where care is not only clinical, but compassionate.
Now welcoming new patients –come and experience dentistry at its best.
Botesdale Dental Practice & Implant Clinic
The Drift, Botesdale, Suffolk, IP22 1DH Telephone: 01379 897176 Email: reception@ botesdaledental.co.uk www.botesdaledental.co.uk
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @botesdaledental
Come and get involved, there’s lots to do
PHILLIP WILCOX-MOORE, CHAIR,
Summer is a really busy time down at the Eye Town Woodland, and it’s incredible how quickly our network of tracks and pathways become overgrown and impassible, and how once familiar spaces dramatically change through the seasons.
The woods are a wild environment, rich in biodiversity, and a haven for local wildlife, and our small group of volunteers work hard to protect and enhance this. Nevertheless, we know that an important part of our work is to maintain your access to the woods, because community enjoyment and use of the space is crucial to our mission. So, our woodland management plan is a balance between allowing large areas to be completely wild, and remain inaccessible, while maintaining the accessible spaces, meandering paths, picnic areas, and open meadows, with minimal intervention. This sounds easy right? Well, not
EYE TOWN MOORS WOODLAND SOCIETY
necessarily, with only a small number of volunteers, and work parties taking place once a month.
Within the last 12 months our Town Woodland has been visited by local Ecologists from the Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT), biodiversity officers from Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council (BMSDC), The Woodland Trust, The Water Management Alliance (WMA), and The Environment Agency (EA). All have been impressed by our 14-acre site in the heart of our small town with the EA saying ‘Eye Town Moors Woodlands is
a wonderful example of where the dedication and hard work of volunteers from the local community have restored and created habitat…. essential in our need to adapt and become more resilient to climate change.’
Our discussions with BMSDC’s biodiversity officer have also revealed that we have many ecologically valuable features throughout the woods such as our ponds and ditch network, and a decent mix of tree and shrub species including some very large Poplars, Willows, and the native wildlife beacon
“Eye Town Moors Woodlands is a wonderful example of where the dedication and hard work of volunteers from the local community have restored and created habitat”
“we need new ideas, skills, and abilities”
Guelder Rose. We also learnt more about how woodlands are split into 4 distinct vertical layers of ecology, from the tree canopy at the top, down to the understory layer, field layer, and finally the ground layer. Each layer supporting unique plant and animal life, influenced by factors like sunlight, moisture, and temperature. It’s because of these conversations that we now know where ecological improvements need to be made, and this is where you can help.
Firstly, we need to rid the woods of the invasive Himalayan Balsam once and for all. There will be ‘Balsam bashing’ events taking place every year throughout the summer in June,
July, and August, so keep an eye out on social media (Facebook, Instagram etc) for the dates and please get involved.
Secondly, we urgently need more regular work party volunteers and more frequent work parties if we want to make a lasting improvement. Our existing volunteers are brilliant and the work they have done
over many years is astonishing, but we need new ideas, skills, and abilities. Imagine the woods with its bridge infrastructure restored, with new signage and wilderness paths, its ponds and ditches thriving, birdlife flourishing, and Ben Platts-Mills original vision fully restored and being enhanced. This can and will be a reality if we get your help and support.
For information about joining our volunteer team or supporting our work, please contact Chris Willoughby (tollgate53@icloud. com) or Phillip Wilcox-Moore (philwilcox2@gmail.com) for more information. The Eye Town Moors Woodland Society meets at 10am, at the west side of the Community Centre car park, on the third Sunday of every month. Our next working party is scheduled for 20th July.
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Carol Gleeson
My working life began training as a nurse in Leicester where I was born. Consequently, I moved to London with my new husband who was an actor and after our first daughter was born, decided to study acting at the City Literary Institute, Holborn.
As my career evolved, we travelled with our children around the UK and Channel Islands with weekly Repertory Theatre Companies which was very exciting but also challenging. I also enjoyed acting on tv shows and commercials, including Miss Marple with my youngest daughter, filmed in Hoxne ,when we had moved to Suffolk.
We first lived in Wortham and after a swift move back to London, made a lovely home in Denham where we shared our lives with dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, a budgie and donkey.
Moving to the countryside and all the beautiful surrounding nature really inspired me to pick up a brush and start creating some artwork.
I felt I would like to learn more about techniques and so enrolled in a Foundation Art course at Lowestoft. With three young children, it was a busy year but I loved being the only mature student and embraced the opportunity to produce a portfolio. I was drawn to textiles so painted on silk, my initial favourite medium. I created silk paintings, scarves and even abstract ties.
Watercolour and oil landscapes were some of my first endeavours too where I was motivated by the amazing Suffolk skies!
I have always enjoyed using bold colours and work instinctively. Often my art has included local coastal towns including Southwold and of course the famous beach huts.
Acrylic is a great medium to use as it makes such vibrant hues and often has an immediate effect which can be very satisfying.
We had some time back in London where I added another string to my bow by qualifying in aromatherapy which I combined with still being an artist. This meant I had the amazing experience of travelling with the charity Healing Hands to Bosnia on three occasions, shortly after the war there had ended. It
was one of the most invaluable experiences I have ever had. It is a beautiful country and the peoples’ strength of character was extremely humbling. I kept a diary of this time and my son
came on one visit to film the therapists working to make a documentary for the charity.
When I returned after my third visit I painted a scene of Pigeon Square in Sarajevo on silk, in the warmest and strongest colours I could think of to portray my feelings of that time. This artwork is still used as the logo for Healing Hands which I am very proud of.
I have lived in Eye now for many years and exhibited in London, Snape Maltings and more locally including Beyond the Image at Thornham Walks - this year my daughter Clare and I both showed our work there together.
I can be found on Instagram @ carolgleesonartist where you can see more of my creations including prints. My cards are also for sale in various local outlets including Focus Organic, Halesworth and Stuston Farm Shop. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next...
EYE HANDYMAN
Hardware & Tools
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Opening hours: 7am to 4pm Monday to Saturday
8 Broad St, Eye IP23 7AF 01379 870030
Stationery
Key cutting
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Elevate: Eye
Game Anglia is excited to announce that we are being supported by the Progress Power Community Benefit Fund and the Babergh and Mid-Suffolk Council, to deliver the next instalment of our ELEVATE programme series.
Focused on sharing authentic stories based on lived experience, ELEVATE: Eye will provide local people with a strong foundation in games development.
All workshops are free of charge and open to anyone who lives in or around the parishes of Eye, Yaxley, Mellis, Thrandeston, and Brome & Oakley aged 16 and over (with no upper age limit) who wants to learn how to tell their story by making a narrative interactive game!
In the run up to the programme, Game Anglia will host two taster sessions at the Bank in Eye, which will give attendees insights into additional fascinating aspects of game development, and a chance learn more about ELEVATE: Eye. The taster sessions are scheduled for Monday, 30 June and Monday, 4 August.
During the main event – which consists of five workshops led by games industry experts – participants will get handson with a variety of game engines, disciplines and key communication skills. These workshops take place from Monday, 18 August to Friday, 22 August - participants can join for one or more of the days, as each day will have its own takeaways.
GAME ANGLIA LAUNCHES
ELEVATE NARRATIVE GAME DESIGN PROGRAMME IN EYE
ELEVATE: Eye will culminate in a game jam for all participants to collaborate and use their new skills. Registration for the main programme will be open from Monday, 9 June to Friday, 8 August.
Game Anglia is collaborating with local council and community groups to ensure young people who would most benefit from the programme have access.
Mark Backler, Co-founder of Game Anglia, says “Since 2017,
Game Anglia’s activity has been rooted in supporting the people of Suffolk with game development training – we are proud to work with The Bank in Eye again and bring the expertise of our world-class game developer contacts to the local community”Register for ELEVATE: Eye: https://forms.cloud. microsoft/e/unKJirbbik
For updates about the programme, visit: www.gameanglia.co.uk
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No car and can’t catch the bus?
WRITTEN BY MIA MAC
While searching for transport that my elderly friend who isn’t able to get to the bus stop, I came across Communities
Together East Anglia who provide an affordable door to door service
Brilliant ! they operate from 7am Monday to Saturdays. A bonus is the fact that they accept Travel Vouchers, issued free by Suffolk County Council. We were able to apply for these instead of the free bus pass. The travel vouchers are issued each year valued at £100 to help with travel that start and finish within the border of Suffolk.
Anyone can use the transport. You register for the service by calling 01449614271, they needed some basic information to get her on their system, that done the journey was then booked.
Knowing about the service has made life easier as we can actually go out.
You can book up to 2 weeks in advance for non medical journeys and with medical appointments being booked at any time does have its advantages, although as yet we have not had to have an on the day appointment anywhere.
They are always looking for volunteer drivers and Steve one of the driver says its a great pleasure being part of a team that enables passengers
“ Knowing about the service has made life easier as we can actually go out”
to make journeys that would otherwise be either expensive or difficult to make. He also says its
very pleasant to be appreciated by fellow staff members and passengers.
Serving Eye, Harleston, Diss, Framlingham and the surrounding areas since 2004
We offer a range of services to suit your individual needs
• Funerals tailored to your needs and budget
• Full estimates given at time of arrangement
• Pre-Paid Funeral Plans available
• Direct Cremations
• Support Groups
• Memorials
We provide an efficient but friendly service through our professionally qualified staff 24 hours a day
• Chestnut House, 12 Progress Way, Eye, Suffolk, IP23 7HU Tel: 01379 871168
• Ley House, 11a London Road, Harleston, Norfolk, IP20 9BH Tel: 01379 851253
• Denmark House, 1 & 2a Carmel Works, Park Road, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4AS Tel: 01379 831332
• Moore House, 8 Fore Street Framlingham, Suffolk, IP13 9DY
Tel: 01728 723448 (Formerly Moore Bros)
Scottish dance
Don’t you wish your family had more moments of joy, connection, and shared purpose?
Imagine an activity that brings everyone together, gets you moving, laughing, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what Scottish Country Dancing offers! It’s not just about the steps—it’s about the smiles, the teamwork, and the energy that fills the room when families come together to celebrate movement and tradition.
On Sunday 7th September 2025, I am organising a free Scottish Ceilidh Dance with live music for families with children up to 12 years of age. It’s a very warm, welcoming, fun introduction to a weekly Family’s Scottish Dancing Class. The class will be on Mondays, starting on Mon 15th September, 4pm-5pm, doors open at 3.30pm for tea and cake. Each class costs £5 per family but if you sign up for fourteen classes you will receive a two class discount. Tickets are limited so book your place by emailing j.dancescottish@gmail. com before or during the Free Scottish Ceilidh Dance event on Sunday 7th September.
It was very hard to choose the location for the event because we have so many great locations to choose from. However I decided to start in Wingfield, at Wingfield Barns, Church Road, IP21 5RA. Wingfield barns is an intimate, beautifully converted complex set in a delightful, tranquil countryside steeped in history. I can see
TICKETS ARE LIMITED
Sunday 7th2.30pm-5pmSeptember
FREE SCOTTISH CEILIDH DANCE
BOOK YOUR TICKET
Wingfield Barns, Church Road, Wingfield, Diss IP21 5RA
myself and families coming together there, kids laughing, parents smiling, and everyone feeling that spark of connection in a setting that feels grounding and restorative, where people can pause and breath. That’s rare in today’s fast-paced world.
This is going to be my very first event. In spite of the fact that I am just starting out, I feel confident in delivering the best results because I have a great mentor, Jane Rose, a qualified and experienced teacher of over 20 years, and because I am constantly learning, staying curious, and I am known for doing things thoroughly. By starting in one location, I will build momentum, refine my
teaching style, and create a strong, loyal community. Once I’ve got that foundation, I will expand to other towns with confidence and a proven model.
I hope I was able to convey my deep wish to bring joy, to connect, to uplift. This event and classes will create a ripple effect of positivity that will touch everyone who walks through that door. People will leave the classes not just feeling like they learned something, but like they’ve been part of something meaningful, something that lights them up. And that’s the magic.
To learn more about Scottish Country Dancing go to www.rscds.org
Borough of Eye Bowls Club celebrates national champion
When Nayara Drummond stepped onto the bowls greens at Royal Leamington Spa on Saturday 10th May she had no idea of what the next 48 hours would bring. Her parents, Andrew and Mariette (Maz) had entered 12-year-old Nayara into the National Girls Under 18s Singles for some experience and game time on the ‘hallowed turf’ at Bowls England’s home and flagship venue – the Mecca of the bowls world. By their own admission there was hope rather expectation as Nayara has only been officially playing for a year or so.
But Nayara had other ideas. Brushing up against 26 other girls much older and physically stronger than her, it would be fair to say that the stars aligned on what became a warm, settled weekend in Royal Leamington Spa. In bowls, rain or damp can be a gamechanger - and when you’re a growing 12-year-old even more so.
The campaign started against Lincolnshire, and with a 2-0 sets win. We were off and running with a good confidence boost. Then came Hampshire, and another 2-0 sets win. Things were going well. And the last game of the day saw Nayara lose her first set but still record a 2-1 victory over Durham. A clean sweep on Day 1 was an excellent return. 3 games of Singles in a day, and 3 hours of play in the sunshine is quite the feat for a 12-year-old. But there was more in the tank.
Quarter-final spot in the knockout stages. Her Quarter-final was to be against a different competitor from Lincolnshire and – once again – a 2-0 straight sets win. The Borough of Eye’s WhatsApp group went into overdrive and suddenly the whole club is hearing reports that Nayara has won through to the Semi-Final!
When the dust settled on Day 1 Nayara found herself 2nd in the overall leaderboard as one of only two girls to win 3 out of 3 games. Shot difference was all that separated her from Dorset in top spot – but we’ll return to Dorset later!
Onto Day 2. Nayara’s excellent second-place finish on Day 1 saw her rewarded with an automatic
The Semi-final was a tenser affair, as a close game resulted in a 2-1 sets win over a different Durham competitor – and we were into the Final! And who was waiting for Nayara? The girl from Dorset that finished top of the leaderboard on Day 1. It was as if the script was written for a Hollywood blockbuster about Bowls (I’ll be honest, I’m not sure we’ll see it).
By now, the club’s WhatsApp group was in meltdown. Members had turned off their TVs and were fully focused on their phones. She had us –and kept us - on the edge of our seats. Maz was chief reporter from green side, whilst Andy was no doubt pacing and feeling the tension.
The final was – as expected – the closest game we had seen. The first set was a 6-6 draw. The second set was going to decide this whole Championship. Nayara then raced into a 5-0 lead in the second set, kicked on by adrenaline and IrnBru (her favourite drink). The opposition mounted a comeback and cut the deficit to 5-3 with 2 ends to play and these Hollywood scriptwriters then took over and – of course – we went into the last end at 5-5. 4 bowls each to decide a national title. It would be at this point where you’d consider the mental and physical strength of a 12-year-old as, after 2 days of Bowls, you came down to 6 or 7 minutes to decide your fate. But Nayara held her nerve and won that last end to become England’s Under 18’s Girls Singles Champion!
As a club we couldn’t be prouder of Nayara. She comes from a competitive gene pool as her father has won many accolades and a national title of his own, and her mother is a constant green-side spectator for both Andy and Nayara. Maz will tell you that her life stops during the summer as the bowls come out of the bag. Nayara will no doubt have the full support of her family and her club for many years to come.
What I find scarier than Nayara’s potential is her attitude to the game. What is rare to find in a youngster is someone that isn’t afraid to lose. She’s solely focused on getting better, and she seems to be very relaxed in the knowledge that
“ What is rare to find in a youngster is someone that isn’t afraid to lose. She’s solely focused on getting better, and she seems to be very relaxed in the knowledge that losing is part of that journey.”
losing is part of that journey. All at the Borough of Eye look forward to seeing her continue her development.
She has been interviewed by BBC Radio Suffolk and spoke with the grace and composure of someone far older than she is, and she has already agreed some sponsorship from local bowls retailers Jack & Bowl. Things are certainly moving very quickly for our newly labelled ‘pocket rocket’. In a sport where we still hear that bowls in an ‘old Man’s game’, she is certainly proving that to be untrue.
So, what next? As I write this article, I know that Nayara is representing Suffolk at the Regional Finals of their flagship Girls event in Hemingford, but her reward for being England’s champion is that she will now represent England at the British Isles Championships in Llandrindod Wells, Wales later in June. It will be a strange feeling for her Scottish parents!
We wish Nayara the best of luck for the British Isles Championships. Most of us will need to grow our fingernails back in preparation, and I dread to think what our WhatsApp group will be like….
Dove River Church
CHOOSE LOVE
My friend and I were sat chatting and found ourselves comparing how long we’d been with our partners. I met the man who would eventually become my husband when I was around 13 years old. We became a couple at 19 before marrying at 22. It struck me when we passed our 16-year wedding anniversary that we had been together longer than we had been apart. Any relationship, whether married or not, should be celebrated as the years fly by.
I read on Facebook, “Marriage is hard, divorce is hard, choose your hard. Obesity is hard, being fit is hard, choose your hard. Being in debt is hard, being financially disciplined is hard, choose your hard. Starting a business is hard, working 9 to 5 is hard, choose your hard. Life will never be easy, but you can choose your hard. Choose wisely.”
It’s true, we do have a choice. Love is a choice, Jesus says in John 13:34 “A new command I
give to you: love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another” This shows that love is a choice, a command that reflects the love of God and it can be tough some days!
I have heard relationships compared to gardens, the more you put in to it, the better it grows. Often in a new relationship when everything is exciting, flowers naturally bloom, the garden looks wonderful and all is seen as beautiful through those loved up, rose tinted glasses. But then comes the difficult seasons, the years we don’t spend so much time together, children and careers sometimes get in the way and we spend less and less time nurturing those gardens.
“A new command I give to you: love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another”
A garden needs attention and it can be easy to neglect the work that is required to keep it blossoming.
Maybe it’s time to make a decision to spend time pruning those shrubs and trees that have been allowed to take over, dig up the weeds that are choking the flowers and enjoy spending time together once again. This takes a humble heart and a choice to sacrifice for each other. Both need to put in the effort, but one of you has to make a start!
Where could you start? You could choose to set aside time together, go for walks, play games, go on date nights, invest in one another and put each other first, compromise where needed and remember that feeling great is quick and easy, but it is only fleeting. Falling in love is something that takes time, hard work and sacrifice. It’s time to put in the work, because real love is an everlasting thing worth the effort.
By Jemma Aiken
Dorien Brouwers
Dorien Brouwers is a Dutch illustrator and picture-book author who works from her home studio in Eye, Suffolk. She earned a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design from the University of Lincoln and moved to London, where she collaborated with clients like the Prado Museum, Tate Modern, and Pearson Education.
Transitioning from commercial design to children’s publishing, Dorien began crafting stories and illustrations originally as a gift for her son. Her debut picture book, The Remarkable Pigeon (Salariya Publishing), paved the way for more ambitious projects. Her first major success was Sail (Hachette Book Group), a lyrical journey using sailing at sea as a powerful metaphor for personal growth, resilience, and selfdiscovery. Sail earned multiple accolades: it won the AOI World Illustration Award in 2022, was shortlisted for the prestigious Bologna Children’s Book Fair
“Her creative style integrates traditional media - mainly watercolour and monoprint”
illustrators’ exhibition and picked by Amazon US as a “best book of the month”. The New York Times and Publishers Weekly praised its visual storytelling.
Building on this success, she released Wild Beings (Hachette Book Group), an illustrated ode to the connection between children and the natural world. Critics from Kirkus and Booklist commended its lyrical introspection and vibrant watercolour portrayals of wildlife. Alongside her own picture-book titles Dorien also illustrates for other authors, most notably Life (Elli Woollard, Penguin Random House) and recently the acclaimed Wild by Nature series (Gabby Dawnay, Thames & Hudson).
Her creative style integrates traditional media— mainly watercolour and monoprint— to build a distinctively textured and detailed aesthetic. She draws continual inspiration from her extensive travels and her love for nature is deeply embedded in her art and storytelling.
She loves living in the Suffolk countryside, sharing her craft with the world’s youngest readers as well as inspiring adults to make their own children’s books.
Corn Hall Exhibition July & August
Dorien’s latest showcase, The Art of the Picture Book, is opening at The Corn Hall in Diss. This exhibition will display original artwork and prints from her celebrated picture books, offering a behind the scenes look at her creative process.
Visitors can explore how her signature style brings stories to life on the page.
Abbey Hall Workshop 20 & 21 September
Join Dorien for an exclusive hands on picture-book illustration & writing workshop at Abbey Hall, Eye. Led in collaboration with fellow author/ illustrator James Mayhew. Perfect for both aspiring as well as established picture-book artists seeking to develop their own voice.
Staying mentally healthy in an uncertain world
by Anne Beckett-Allen, Director of Rosedale Funeral Home and Mental health First Aid Instructor
In today’s world, it often feels as though new uncertainty and anxiety are being thrown at us most weeks.
Whether it’s global conflicts, climate change, or the relentless pace of social and technological shifts, many people I know feel overwhelmed or simply exhausted. This is something people often ask me about when I teach Mental Health First Aid, so I thought I’d try and share some tips.
Of course there’s no easy answers, and that’s not to say that I don’t struggle too sometimes, and it can be easy to believe that a sense of calm or control is out of reach, especially when our minds tend to race into the future— imagining worst-case scenarios, replaying worries, or fixating on “what ifs.”
The first step to staying mentally healthy isn’t about fixing or suppressing your feelings—it’s about acknowledging them. Fear, frustration, sadness, and anxiety are normal responses to abnormal situations. Trying to push these emotions away often makes them stronger. Instead, give yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling without judgement.
This can be as simple as saying to yourself, “This is hard right now.” When we stop pretending to be “fine” all the time, we
make room for true emotional resilience.
Uncertainty thrives in situations where we feel powerless. One of the best ways to reduce anxiety is to shift our focus from what we can’t control to what we can. This might sound obvious, but in moments of panic or helplessness, it’s easy to forget.
We can’t control wars, extreme weather or inflation - but to some degree we may be able to control how we spend our morning, whether our phone is the first thing we pick up in the morning, the media we consume, and how we take care of our bodies and minds.
Staying informed is important, but overexposure to distressing news can fuel anxiety, especially when headlines are designed to provoke strong emotional reactions. If you find yourself
scrolling endlessly, checking for updates compulsively, or feeling worse after reading the news, it may be time to set boundaries.
Try allocating specific times in the week to check the news and stick to reliable sources. Avoid doomscrolling late at night, as this can interfere with sleep and leave you feeling unsettled.
Human beings are wired for connection, and in uncertain times, relationships can be a lifeline. Talking to a trusted friend or family member can also be incredibly validating - as we are often told in Rosedale’s bereavement support groups, simply knowing you’re not alone can make a world of difference.
Mental and physical health are closely connected. When we’re under stress, it’s easy to neglect basic self-care, but the body needs support more than ever during difficult times. Easier said than done I know, but aim to eat regular, balanced meals, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep.
Try to avoid relying heavily on alcohol, caffeine, or other substances to cope. These might provide short-term relief but can make anxiety and depression worse in the long run and remember: you are not alone in feeling overwhelmed, and you are not powerless in how you respond. Small, consistent steps can create meaningful change.
Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk can provide in depth advice on this issue and much more, including debt, finances, employment, benefits and family/ relationships.
You can contact them by phone on 01449 676060, visit in person at Milton House, 5 Milton Road South, Stowmarket IP14 1EZ or use the contact form at midsuffolkcab.org.uk/ contact-us
Opening hours are Monday-Thursday 9.30am –3.30pm and Friday 9.30am – 12.30pm.
My son and I are both struggling to find work at the moment. He’s just finished university and looking for his first job, and I’m retired but need to top up my income. We’ve both been sending out applications for a while now, could unpaid work help us find something?
Whether you’re trying to get into work for the first time or after time off, finding a job can be really challenging.
It’s always a good idea to think about what skills or experience you could be missing for the kind of work you want, especially when feeling stuck after weeks or months of sending out job applications.
If you can afford to take unpaid work, it can be a good way to plug gaps in your CV and get a taste for different types of jobs. These sorts of roles usually come in the form of volunteering, work experience, or internships.
If you receive welfare benefits, you should check the Citizens Advice website or speak to an adviser before taking unpaid work.
And because the rules around unpaid internships are complicated, you should get advice on being paid less than the minimum wage before applying to this type of role.
Volunteer roles are often well-defined and can expose you to specific types of work, whether you’re looking for experience in an office or something more practical, like supporting people in your local community. Charities, including Citizens Advice, usually have a range of opportunities available.
Being a volunteer doesn’t just give you a chance to learn and improve skills that are transferable to paid work, it can also help you gain confidence and self-esteem in a professional setting and provide structure to your day or week.
This can set you up well for job applications and interviews by showing employers you’ve got transferable skills, relevant experience, and are ready to enter paid work. Just like any job advert, you can find plenty of volunteering opportunities online, so it’s well worth seeing what’s out there if you’re interested.
• Door to door dial-a-ride service • Weekly members outings throughout the year • Group hires for not-forprofit organisations
BORDERHOPPA OUTINGS FOR JULY 2025
Mon 7th Highway Garden and Leisure – £15
Thurs 10th The White Horse, Stoke Ash - £8
Mon 14th Peter Beales Roses, Attleborough – £15
Mon 21st Beccles – £18
Thurs 24th Mississippi Paddle Steamer & Lunch in Horning - £30 (Includes bus fare and ticket for boat, lunch extra)
Mon 28th Great Yarmouth - £20
Thurs 31st Breakfast at Wortham Tea Rooms followed by shopping at B&M and The Range, Bury St. Edmunds - £18
To book or for more information please call 01379 854800 or visit our website www.borderhoppa.org
Regular events
MONDAY
1st Eye Cub Scouts
Every Monday during term-time from 6.30-8pm for boys and girls aged 8-10½ years old at Scout Headquarters on Wellington Road. Juliet Grimes juliet@eyescouts.org.uk
Eye and District Cricket Club
Coaching young players (girls and boys) during the season at our ground in Ludgate Causeway. Mark Willowe 07927 286600
Ladies Fitness Football
6-7pm at Eye Community Centre. No need to know anything about football, just the ability to kick a ball and have fun. Any questions contact Kev Crispin on 07857662528
Multiple Sclerosis Society Coffee Mornings
Every second Monday in the month at the Michael Burke Centre 10.30am-1pm, £1. Just drop in. Share experiences and learn more about MS. Contact Sue.Childs@groups.mssociety.org.uk tel 07518 288378
Strength Training
At Eye Community Centre. 9.30am: Over 60s Strength Training. 6.30pm: Women’s Strength Training. Contact Faye on 07885 659360.
TUESDAY
1st Eye Scouts
Every Tuesday during term-time from 7.30-9.15pm for boys and girls aged 10½-14 years at Scout Headquarters on Wellington Road. Juliet Grimes juliet@eyescouts.org.uk
Carers Café at Hartismere Place
Starting on the 7 January 2025. First Tuesday of the month from 11am-12.30pm. Free monthly support group to meet other carers in a relaxed and friendly environment, whilst enjoying complimentary refreshments including soup and a roll. For more information or to book a place please call Angela at the home on 01379 873950
Dove Social Club
Over 18s Tuesdays in term-time only come in for a chat and relaxing afternoon in the Dove Hall, Dove Lane from 2-4pm. Jonathan and Jenny Pooley 01379 870173 / 07816 090857
Elderflower Club
Last Tuesday of the month at Eye Community Centre 2-4pm. Time for chatting, laughter, tea and cake. All welcome - friends and helpers. Local lifts available. Tricia Brown 01379 871959
Eye Bridge Club
Weekly duplicate sessions on Tuesdays in Eye Town Hall. Please arrive by 1.25pm for a prompt 1.30pm start. Mike Barr 01379 870853
Eye District Badminton Club
Badminton at Hoxne Village Hall, Tuesday mornings 9.30-11.30am, for beginners/ intermediates & returners of all ages. John or Steph Dakin on 07904910284.
Eye Garden Club
Every second Tuesday in the month at 2pm. The venues vary, but they are usually at the homes of our members. Tricia Brown, 01379 871959..
Little Doves Toddler Group
Baby and toddler group for parents/grandparents in term time 9.15-11.15am in Dove Hall
Sing for Wellbeing
1st Tuesday of the month, 7.30-9pm The Hexagon. 01379 678483, clare@theblossomcharity.co.uk
Teresa Marsh Dance Classes
For beginners at the Community Centre 8-9pm
Well-Being Walks (Onelife Suffolk)
First Tuesday each month 1½ hr easy pace walk. Meet 10.30am Pennings Nature Reserve, IP23 7NH. Book online: onelifesuffolk.co.uk search well-being walks. Maryanne Henderson. Email: outdoorseye@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY
1st Eye Beaver Scouts
Wednesday during term-time from 5.30-7pm for boys and girls aged 6-8 years old at Scout Headquarters on Wellington Road. Contact Juliet Grimes 01379 668088 or juliet@eyescouts.org.uk
1st Eye Brownies
Wednesday during term time from 6.15-7.30pm at The Stoke Ash Centre. Helen Soper helenj.soper@talktalk.net
1st Eye Guides
Wednesday during term time 7.15-8.45pm
at The Stoke Ash Centre. Louise Clifford eyeguidessuffolk@gmail.com
1st Eye Rangers
Wednesday during term time 7.15-8.45pm at The Stoke Ash Centre. Louise Clifford eyeguidessuffolk@gmail.com
2nd Eye Rainbows
Wednesday during term time from 5:30-6:30pm at The Stoke Ash Centre. Helen Soper helenj.soper@talktalk.net
Art Group at The Bank
Every Wednesday 10am-1pm. Weekly drop-in group. Bring your own materials and meet likeminded creatives!
Barclays Bank
Here to help at Eye Library 10am-4pm (no cash or print facility)
Box Fit by R Fitness
Wednesday 6.40pm (term time) at Dove Hall. Contact Richard Balaam 07970 328052.
Busy Bees Knit & Natter at The Bank
Fortnightly on Wednesdays at 1.15-3.15pm. July 3rd, July 17th &July 31st. Friendly drop-in group. All abilities welcome. £2 per person. 07931 538548 busybeesknitandnatter@gmail.com
Eye Country Market
Every Wednesday in Eye Town Hall (excluding January), usual hours 10-11.30am. Everyone welcome. Sally Sparrow 01379 873315
Eye Karate and Fitness Club
All ages and abilities welcome. Juniors 6-7pm, adults 7-8pm
Eye Saints Community Boules Club
Come and join us on Wednesday and Sunday between 10am and 12noon on the playing fields at Eye Community Centre Contact. Ian 07528 907114 or Eira eirajane@btinternet.com 07974 420206
Families Together Suffolk
‘Chill, Chat and Play’ group in The Michael Burke Wellbeing Centre each week 1.30-3pm. This group supports parents to be and parents with young babies up to walking age. Free, register before coming call Lauren on 07925 138383 or email lauren@familiestogethersuffolk.org.uk
Folk Night at The Bank
Monthly 2nd Wednesday 7.15-10pm. Bring your own instruments and take part, or enjoy listening. £3 contribution requested.
Kettlebell Training by R Fitness
Wednesday 9am at The Pennings. Contact Richard Balaam 07970 328052.
THURSDAY
Eye Arts Guild
Every Thursday at Eye Bowls Club 10am-12.30pm for practice and tutored sessions with outdoor sessions in summer. Contact Harriet Bowes hb.challinor@gmail.com
Eye Women’s Institute
2nd Thursday of month at 2pm, Eye Community Centre. Lynn Clark (Secretary) 07736 407195
Friendship Group
Every Thursday 10am-12pm. Michael Burke Centre. Contact Joan Gilbey 07855191471
Pickleball
Ever wondered what Pickleball is all about? Why not give it a try on Thursdays 5.15-7.15pm, Hartismere School Dance studio. All ages welcome. First session is free. Contact John or Steph on 07904910284 / jsdakin@sky.com
Poetry Evening at The Bank
Monthly 3rd Thursday from 7pm ONLINE. Online meet up to enjoy poetry. Read, contribute or just listen along. Voluntary donation appreciated. Please book online.
Rest and Restore Classes
Every Thursday at Michael Burke Wellness Centre 4.30-5.30pm. Small friendly group. £3 donation. Booking essential. Contact Janet 07951 714477
FRIDAY
Cinema at Eye
4th Friday of each month except December. 7.30pm at Eye Community Centre. Kit Brinkley 07947 414968
Citizen’s Advice Mid Suffolk
Face to Face Advice Sessions Drop-into Eye Library Free every Friday morning 9.15am-12.30pm. 01449 676060 or advice@midsuffolkcab.org.uk
Dance with Jane Dance! Stretch! Well-being! 2-3pm £5 Eye Town Hall. Please use back door. Enquiries 07714006470
Explorer Scout Unit
Every Friday during term time from 7.30-9.30pm for boys and girls aged 14-18 years old at Scout Headquarters on Wellington Road. Emma Tamsett emma@eyescouts.org.uk
Eye Archives
You are welcome to come to see the archives at the Michael Burke Wellbeing Centre on a Friday. Contact Anne Willoughby 01379 870298 for details.
Regular events cont.
Eye Bach Choir
Rehearsals every Fridays during term time 7.309.30pm. Eye Town Hall. New members welcome. Enquiries: membership@eyebachchoir.co.uk
Eye Cricket Club Seniors
Seniors nets Fridays from 6:15pm until dark starting on Friday, May 3 and subsequent Fridays. New members welcome to come along. Contact Ross Stannard 07590994001
Eye Karate and Fitness Club
All ages and abilities welcome. Juniors 6.307.30pm. Adults 7.30-8.30pm
Hartismere Hospital League of Friends
Coffee and Chat
2nd Friday in the month, 10am-12noon and 1-3pm.
Coffee, Craft and Chat
Last Friday of the month, from 1.30pm-3.30pm. The Michael Burke Well-being Centre. Beverley Goddard 01379 388682
Printmaking at The Bank
Learn collagraph polyblock printmaking with local artist Emily Procner. Booking required. Sessions are from 10-1pm. £13 for two hours, £16 for three hours. Contact: emilylady44@hotmail.com
SUNDAY
Ballroom and Latin Dance
Eye Community Centre 7.30-10pm once a fortnight. Theresa 01379 308516 or mobile 07709565875
Bereavement & Support group
2nd Sunday of the month from 2-4pm at The Hexagon. Presented by Susan Whymark Funeral Services. 01379 871168.
Bootcamp by R Fitness
Sunday 9am at Eye Scout Hut. Contact Richard Balaam 07970 328052.
Eye Plodders Walking Group
3rd Sunday of the month. A well-established walking group that meets at 10.30am for a six mile walk in the surrounding countryside.
Ray Pattenden 01379 678432
Eye Saints Community Boules Club
Come and join us on Wednesday and Sunday between 10am-12noon on the playing fields at Eye Community Centre. Contact Ian 07528 907114 or Eira 07974 420206
Eye Town Moors Woodland Society
Volunteer Day 3rd Sundays at Eye Town Moors and Woodlands 10am-12noon. Meet by car park. Chris Willoughby 01379 870298.
Ss Peter & Paul Church
Sung Mass is held every Sunday at 10.45am at Church Street, Eye. Please check the website: www.eyeparishchurch.org for additional services.
Waveney Wanderers
First Sunday of each month usually setting off at 10.30am from a local meeting point and cycling at a fairly gentle pace, usually includes a pub lunch. Contact: georgie.lopham@gmail.com
TELL US ABOUT YOUR REGULAR EVENTS IN EYE
Please email the editor at editoreyemag@gmail.com by 5 July for content to appear in the August 2025 issue.
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What’s on
